This month on The Writer and Critic your hosts, Kirstyn McDermott and Ian Mond, are delighted to bring you Part the Second of their special eBook Extravaganza. Wasting absolutely no time on formalities, the duo roll up their sleeves and get straight into the discussion of their listener-chosen titles.

Must say - and hate to admit it - but first time listening to the show, and really enjoyed it. Will be subscribing straight after this.

Thanks for the review of Paintwork - and Kirstyn I loved your thoughts on Paul’s actions. It’s exactly the reaction I wanted from readers - to leave a sour taste in the mouth, to make you question what a hero is in this setting and IRL. Are there heroes in games or even modern sport, or just rampant consumerism, celebrity and dumb macho pride? I tried not to frame Paul and his actions or his easy ride in the re-education centre as heroic, it’s a failing of mine if it comes over that way.

I’ll also except portrayal of gender as a failing on my behalf, with hindsight especially. Mako *is* meant to be a gender and racial stereotype to a certain extent - all the celebrity gamers are, even Paul is being forced into being one - as a comment on how celebrity culture is built around exploiting stereotypes. But you’re right, it doesn’t work with her, due to the lack of other female roles. I think I was so caught up - in all three stories - with looking at the stupidity of male obsession with competition, whether in art or games, that I just didn’t see the bigger picture at the time. It’s a mistake, one I won’t repeat.

Anyway, glad you still managed to enjoy the book! Keep up the good work with the show